Systems and methods for contactless and secure data transfer

ABSTRACT

In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving a unique identifier from an item and sending a communication to an electronic device requesting that a user confirm a pending transaction, receiving input from the electronic device associated, and sending the received input to an authentication system for completing a transaction. In another embodiment, a system comprises a sensor, an authentication system, and a transaction processing system. The sensor is configured to emit energy and receive at least one first identifier, send at least one communication to an electronic device requesting a second identifier, receive at least one second identifier, and send the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier to the authentication system. The authentication system is configured to receive the at least one first and second identifiers from the sensor, to choose, based on the at least one first identifier and the at least one second identifier, a transaction processing system, and send the at least one first and second identifiers to the chosen transaction processing system.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/844,836, filed Dec. 18, 2017, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/973,167 filed Dec. 17, 2015, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/094,701 filed Dec. 19,2014, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

BACKGROUND

Typical data transfer systems are cumbersome as they require physicalcontact between something a first entity has, such as a card, withsomething that a second entity has, such as a terminal. The first entitytypically needs to approach the terminal and pass a magnetic cardthrough a magnetic card reader (also known as “swiping” the card). Thiscauses problems as the first user needs to physically approach theterminal with the card in order to conduct a transaction, which coststime and may dissuade other entities from transferring data if there isa long line at the terminal.

Proposed alternatives such as NFC typically require close contact of thecard with the terminal even if there is no “swiping” motion. And somewireless alternatives are insecure in that a nefarious eavesdropper canintercept information needed to accomplish the transaction (such as acard number or identifier) and use it without permission for his ownpurposes.

Thus, many different types of electronic data transfer systems (e.g.,contactless mobile-to-mobile data transfer systems, payment systems, orthe like) experience similar issues. There is thus a need to addressthese and other issues faced by merchants (and other entities) who seekto provide for a more secure manner of data transfer. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure provide technology-based solutions totechnology-based problems as well as many other problems. One ofordinary skill will understand from this disclosure that other uses forthe presented embodiments are possible as well.

SUMMARY

Disclosed embodiments include methods, systems, and computer-readablemedia configured to, for example, provide for securely authenticating apayer using wireless technologies, and enabling the payer to pay forgoods or transfer funds.

In one aspect, the disclosed embodiments include a method forauthenticating a payer. The method comprises receiving, by a sensor, aunique identifier from an item associated with a payer. The item may be,in some embodiments, worn by the payer, inside of the payer's wallet,unpowered, or powered. The method further comprises sending acommunication to an electronic device associated with that payer,requesting that the payer confirm that he wishes to proceed with atransaction. The method further comprises receiving input from theelectronic device and sending it, along with the unique identifier, toan authentication system to enable the transaction to proceed.

The disclosed embodiments also include a device for authenticating apayer. The device may include a sensor for sending and receivinginformation wirelessly. The device may also include memory storingsoftware instructions configured to perform a method using one or moreprocessors. The device may include one or more processors configured toexecute the software instructions to perform that method. The methodcomprises, for example, receiving, by a sensor, a unique identifier froman item associated with a payer. The method further comprises sending acommunication to another electronic device associated with that payer,requesting that the payer confirm that he wishes to proceed with atransaction. The method further comprises receiving input from the otherelectronic device and sending it, along with the unique identifier, toan authentication system to enable the transaction to proceed.

The disclosed embodiments also include an authentication system. Theauthentication system comprises a storage device comprising instructionsand a processor configured to execute the instructions. The processormay execute the instructions to receive the at least one firstidentifier and the at least one second identifier from the sensor, andchoose, based on the at least one first identifier and the at least onesecond identifier, one of the at least one transaction processingsystems. The processor may also execute the instructions to send the atleast one first identifier and the at least one second identifier to thechosen transaction processing system in order to accomplish atransaction.

The disclosed embodiments include systems that perform operationsconsistent with the functionalities exemplified above from theperspective of a financial service provider system, merchant system,consumer mobile device, or other third-party systems distinct from thefinancial service provider, merchant, and consumer.

Aspects of the disclosed embodiments may include tangiblecomputer-readable media that stores software instructions that, whenexecuted by one or more processors, are configured to and capable ofperforming and executing one or more of the methods, operations, or thelike consistent with the disclosed embodiments. Also, aspects of thedisclosed embodiments may be performed by one or more processors thatare configured as special-purpose processor(s) based on softwareinstructions that are programmed with logic and instructions thatperform, when executed, one or more operations consistent with thedisclosed embodiments.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the disclosed embodiments, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate disclosed embodiments and,together with the description, serve to explain the disclosedembodiments. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system, consistent withdisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of another exemplary system, consistent withdisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary network architecture, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 4A is a flow chart of an exemplary proximity-based data transferprocess, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a flow chart of an exemplary proximity-based data transferprocess, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5A is a diagram of an exemplary interface displaying a request toconfirm a funds transfer, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of an exemplary interface displaying a request toconfirm receipt of a funds transfer, consistent with disclosedembodiments.

FIG. 5C is a diagram of an exemplary interface displaying a request toconfirm a transaction, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the disclosed embodiments,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverconvenient, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system 100 for performing oneor more operations, consistent with the disclosed embodiments. In oneembodiment, system 100 may include one or more financial serviceproviders 110, one or more merchants 120, one or more user devices 130,one or more user items 135, and network 140. The components andarrangement of the components included in system 100 may vary. Thus,system 100 may include other components that perform or assist in theperformance of one or more processes consistent with the disclosedembodiments.

Components of system 100 may be computing systems configured to providesystems for enabling secure two-factor authentication systems,consistent with disclosed embodiments. As further described herein,components of system 100 may include one or more computing devices(e.g., computer(s), server(s), etc.), memory storing data and/orsoftware instructions (e.g., database(s), memory devices, etc.), andother known computing components. In some embodiments, the one or morecomputing devices may be configured to execute software instructionsstored on one or more memory devices to perform one or more operationsconsistent with the disclosed embodiments. Components of system 100 maybe configured to communicate with one or more other components of system100, including systems associated with financial service provider 110,merchant 120, client device 130, and/or user item 135. In certainaspects, users may operate one or more components of system 100 toinitiate and provide input for one or more operations consistent withthe disclosed embodiments.

Financial service provider (FSP) 110 may be an entity that provides,maintains, manages, or otherwise offers financial services. For example,financial service provider 110 may be a bank, credit card issuer, or anyother type of financial service entity that generates, provides,manages, and/or maintains financial service accounts for one or moreusers. Financial service accounts may include, for example, credit cardaccounts, loan accounts, checking accounts, savings accounts, reward orloyalty program accounts, and/or any other type of financial serviceaccount known to those skilled in the art. Financial service providersystem 110 may include infrastructure and components that are configuredto generate and/or provide financial service accounts such as creditcard accounts, checking accounts, debit card accounts, loyalty or rewardprograms, lines of credit, or the like. Consistent with certaindisclosed embodiments, financial service provider 110, using financialservice provider system 112, may provide manufacturer-based financialservice accounts, which may be financial service accounts that areassociated with a manufacturer of products or services, such as aproduct manufacturer 120. For example, financial service provider 110may provide financial services for a credit card account that is brandedby an entity, such as a private label credit card branded by a productmanufacturer.

FSP 110 may include one or more financial service provider systems 112.In one aspect, FSP system 112 may be one or more computing devicesconfigured to perform one or more operations consistent with disclosedembodiments. In one aspect, financial service provider system 112 may bea desktop computer, a server, or any other type of computing device.Financial service provider system 112 may include one or more processorsconfigured to execute software instructions stored in memory. The one ormore processors may be configured to execute software instructions thatwhen executed by a processor performs known Internet-relatedcommunication and financial service-based processes. For instance,financial service provider system 112 may execute software that providesdata used for generating and displaying interfaces, including content ona display device included in, or connected to, client device 130. Insome embodiments, financial service provider 110 may provide one or moreweb sites or online portals that are accessible by client device 130and/or merchant 120 over network 140. The disclosed embodiments are notlimited to any particular configuration of financial service providersystem 112.

Financial service provider 110 may include one or more authenticationsystems 114. In one aspect, authentication systems 114 may be one ormore computing devices configured to perform one or more operationsconsistent with disclosed embodiments. For example, authenticationsystem 114 may be a desktop computer, a server, or any other type ofcomputing device. Authentication system 114 may include one or moreprocessors configured to execute software instructions stored in memory.The one or more processors may be configured to execute softwareinstructions that when executed by the one or more processors performknown Internet-related communication, database management, financialservice-based processes, and/or authentication functions. For instance,authentication system 114 may execute software that provides receivesone or more identification items from client device 130 or merchant hub124, such as a public identifier and a private identifier, and performsa look-up using those identifiers to determine information such as ausername, credit card number, checking account number, or the like. Asanother example, financial service provider system 112 may executesoftware that provides data used for generating and displayinginterfaces, including content on a display device included in, orconnected to, client device 130. The disclosed embodiments are notlimited to any particular configuration of authentication system 114.Authentication system 114, moreover, need not be part of financialservice provider 110 in all embodiments, and could be implemented as aseparate system or operated by a separate entity.

Financial service provider 110 may also include one or more paymentservice systems 116. In one aspect, payment service system 116 may beone or more computing devices configured to perform one or moreoperations consistent with disclosed embodiments. For example, paymentservice system 116 may be a desktop computer, a server, or any othertype of computing device. Payment service system 116 may include one ormore processors configured to execute software instructions stored inmemory. The one or more processors may be configured to execute softwareinstructions that when executed by the one or more processors performknown Internet-related communication, database management, financialservice-based processes, and/or funds transfer functions. For instance,payment service system 116 may execute software that receives one ormore usernames or user identifiers from authentication system 114, andperforms funds transfer operations between accounts associated withaccount associated with the received usernames or user identifiers. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to any particular configuration ofpayment service system 116. Payment service system 116, moreover, neednot be part of financial service provider 110 in all embodiments, andcould be implemented as a separate system or operated by a separateentity.

Merchant 120 may be an entity that offers goods, services, and/orinformation, such as a retailer (e.g., Macy's®, Target®, etc.), grocerystore, service provider (e.g., utility company, etc.), or any other typeof entity that offers goods, services, and/or information that consumers(e.g., end-users or other business entities, such as user 131) maypurchase, consume, use, etc. Merchant 120 may offer for sale one or moreproducts of product manufacturer 120. In one example, merchant 120 maybe associated with a merchant brick and mortar location(s) that aconsumer (e.g., a user of client device 130) may physically visit andpurchase a product or service. Merchant 120 may also include back-and/or front-end computing components that store data and executesoftware instructions to perform operations consistent with disclosedembodiments, such as computers that are operated by employees of themerchant (e.g., back office systems, etc.). Merchant 120 may includemerchant system 122, merchant hub(s) 124, payment terminal 126, andtag(s) 128.

Merchant system 122 may include one or more computing systems, such asserver(s), desktop computers, etc., that are configured to executestored software instructions to perform operations associated with amerchant, including one or more processes associated with processingpurchase transactions, generating transaction data, generating productdata (e.g., SKU data) relating to purchase transactions, etc. Merchantsystem 122 may perform one or more operations consistent with thedisclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments are not limited to anyparticular configuration of merchant system 122.

Merchant hub(s) 124 may include one or more devices operable to detectthe presence of user items 135. For example, merchant hub(s) 124 may beconfigured to detect the presence of user items 135 when they are insideof particular store or space (such as a department). Merchant hub(s) 124may also be configured to detect the presence of user items 135 inside aparticular area, such as within ten meters of hub 124. Merchant hub(s)124 may also be configured to detect a particular location of user items135, in order to determine whether user items 135 are within a shortdistance (e.g., millimeters) of a particular spot in an area (e.g., abrick-and-mortar store). Merchant hub(s) 124 may be configured toutilize technologies such as near field communication (NFC), RFID,infrared, electric field, magnetic fields, WiFi (i.e., IEEE 802.11),Bluetooth, or other technologies.

Client device 130 may be one or more computing devices configured toperform one or more operations consistent with disclosed embodiments.Client device 130 may be a desktop computer, a laptop, a server, amobile device (e.g., tablet, smart phone, etc.), or any other type ofcomputing device. For exemplary purposes, aspects of the disclosedembodiments are described with reference to client device 130 as amobile client device, such as a smart phone, tablet, or the like. Asmentioned herein, however, the disclosed embodiments are not limited tosuch examples.

Client device 130 may include one or more processors configured toexecute software instructions stored in memory, such as memory includedin client device 130. Client device 130 may include software that whenexecuted by a processor performs known Internet-related communication,content display processes, and financial service-related processes for auser of client device 130. For instance, client device 130 may executebrowser or related mobile display software that generates and displaysinterfaces including content on a display device included in, or incommunication with, client device 130. Client device 130 may be a mobiledevice that executes mobile device applications and/or mobile devicecommunication software that allows client device 130 to communicate withcomponents over network 140, and generates and displays content ininterfaces via a display device included in client device 130. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to any particular configuration ofclient device 130. For instance, client device 130 may be a mobiledevice that stores and executes mobile applications that providefinancial service-related functions offered by financial serviceprovider system 112 and/or merchant system 122, such as a mobile bankingapplication associated with a private label financial service accountfor checking balances, paying bills, person-to-person payments, merchantpayments, financial transactions, receiving marketing messages, etc. Incertain embodiments, client device 130 may be configured to executesoftware instructions relating to location services, such as GPSlocations. For example, client device 130 may be configured to determinea geographic location of client device 130 (and associated user) andprovide location data and time stamp data corresponding to the locationdata. Client device 130 may also store and execute applications thatenable user 131 to receive a request to confirm whether the user wishesto proceed with a transaction.

User item 135 may be an item that is in close proximity to user 131. Asan illustrative example, user item 135 may be any of a variety of itemsthat contain data and are operable to transmit the data in response to asignal from another device (such as an electrical field signal or otherwireless signal from hub(s) 124. In some embodiments, user item 135could be an unpowered or “passive” device (e.g., a device that does nothave a power source such as a battery) that transmits a response to asignal from another device, using the signal to transmit that response.For example, user item 135 could be a ring, a piece of jewelry, anotheritem worn by user 131, a card (e.g., a credit card), or any otherunpowered or “passive” item that emits information in response to anenergy emission from another (powered) device.

The information emitted from user item 135 could be a public identifier(e.g., one that does not need to be kept secret) that, in conjunctionwith a private identifier (e.g., one that a user would typically try tokeep secret, such as a PIN or password), is usable by one or more othersystems to determine information for accomplishing a financialtransaction, such as a credit card number, checking account number, orusername. As one example, a public identifier associated with a useritem 135 may be comprised of a public key which is used to encrypt aprofile associated with the owner of user item 135. The owner of useritem 135, after purchasing it, may have a private key associated withthe account. In order to accomplish a transaction, the user may need toprovide both a public identifier (which may be emitted by user item 135)and a private identifier (which user 131 must enter into a device suchas payment terminal 126 or client device 130).

In one embodiment, merchant 120 may interface with financial serviceprovider 110, client device 130, or user item 135 (via, e.g., merchantsystem 122) to perform one or more operations consistent with thedisclosed embodiments. In one aspect, merchant 120 may operate orotherwise communicate with FSP 110 via a website, API resource, or thelike.

Network 140 may be any type of network configured to providecommunications between components of system 100. For example, network140 may be any type of network (including infrastructure) that providescommunications, exchanges information, and/or facilitates the exchangeof information, such as the Internet, a Local Area Network, wirelessnetwork (e.g., a WiFi/802.11 network), NFC, magnetic fields, Opticalcode scanner, infrared, or other suitable connection(s) that enables thesending and receiving of information between the components of system100. In other embodiments, one or more components of system 100 maycommunicate directly through a dedicated communication link(s), such aslinks between financial service provider 110, merchant 120, and clientdevice 130.

It is to be understood that the configuration and boundaries of thefunctional building blocks of system 100 have been arbitrarily definedherein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundariescan be defined so long as the specified functions and relationshipsthereof are appropriately performed. Alternatives (includingequivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of thosedescribed herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevantart(s) based on the teachings contained herein. For example, financialservice provider system 112 and merchant system 122 may constitute apart of components of system 100 other than those specificallydescribed, or may constitute a part of multiple components of system 100(i.e., a distributed system). Moreover, authentication system 114 and/orpayment service system 116 may be separate and distinct from financialservice provider 110 and be operated by, for example, one or more thirdparties having access to customer specific information.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of another exemplary system 200, consistent withdisclosed embodiments. Variations of exemplary system 300 may be used byfinancial service provider 110, merchant 120, and/or client device 130.In one embodiment, system 200 may comprise one or more processors 221,one or more input/output (I/O) devices 222, and one or more memories223. In some embodiments, system 200 may take the form of a server,general purpose computer, mainframe computer, or any combination ofthese components. In some embodiments, system 200 may take the form of amobile computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer,or any combination of these components. Alternatively, system 200 may beconfigured as a particular apparatus, embedded system, dedicatedcircuit, or the like based on the storage, execution, and/orimplementation of the software instructions that perform one or moreoperations consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

Processor 221 may include one or more known processing devices, such asmobile device microprocessors or any various other processors. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to any type of processor(s)configured in system 200.

Memory 223 may include one or more storage devices configured to storeinstructions used by processor 221 to perform functions related todisclosed embodiments. For example, memory 223 may be configured withone or more software instructions, such as program(s) 224 that mayperform one or more operations when executed by processor 221. Thedisclosed embodiments are not limited to separate programs or computersconfigured to perform dedicated tasks. For example, memory 223 mayinclude a single program 224 that performs the functions of the clientdevice 130, or program 224 may comprise multiple programs. Memory 223may also store data 225 that is used by one or more programs.

In certain embodiments, memory 223 may store software that may beexecuted by processor(s) 221 to perform one or more processes consistentwith disclosed embodiments. For example, the software may be configuredto operate one or more merchant hub(s) 124 usable to detect the presenceof user item(s) 135 or other items in the proximity of the user.

I/O devices 222 may be one or more devices configured to allow data tobe received and/or transmitted by system 200. I/O devices 222 mayinclude one or more digital and/or analog devices that allow system 200to communicate with other machines and devices, such as other componentsof system 100. For example, I/O devices 222 may include a screen fordisplaying communications requesting that a user confirm that he wishesto transfer funds to another user, displaying communications requestingthat a user confirm that she wishes to receive funds from another user,display communications requesting that a user, or providing otherinformation to the user, such as user 130. I/O devices 222 may alsoinclude one or more digital and/or analog devices that allow a user tointeract with system 200 such as a touch-sensitive area, keyboard,buttons, or microphones. I/O devices 222 may also include othercomponents known in the art for interacting with a user.

The components of system 200 may be implemented in hardware, software,or a combination of both hardware and software, as will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. For example although one or more components ofsystem 200 may be implemented as computer processing instructions, allor a portion of the functionality of system 200 may be implementedinstead in dedicated electronics hardware.

System 200 may also be communicatively connected to one or moredatabase(s) 227. System 200 may be communicatively connected todatabase(s) 227 through network 140. Database 227 may include one ormore memory devices that store information and are accessed and/ormanaged through system 200. By way of example, database(s) 227 mayinclude Oracle™ databases, Sybase™ databases, or other relationaldatabases or non-relational databases, such as Hadoop sequence files,HBase, or Cassandra. The databases or other files may include, forexample, data and information related to the financial records, purchasetransaction data, consumer demographics information, etc. Systems andmethods of disclosed embodiments, however, are not limited to separatedatabases. In one aspect, system 200 may include database 227.Alternatively, database 227 may be located remotely from the system 200.Database 227 may include computing components (e.g., database managementsystem, database server, etc.) configured to receive and processrequests for data stored in memory devices of database(s) 227 and toprovide data from database 227.

FIG. 3 is an exemplary network architecture 300, consistent withdisclosed embodiments. As further described herein, merchant 120 maytrack the location of a user 131 (e.g., by tracking the location of useritem 135 carried by user 131) and a plurality of store items 301 (e.g.,by tracking the location of tags 128 attached or affixed to store items301). For example, merchant system 120 may comprise one or more hubs 124that communicate with and/or track the location of user item 135 andproduct tags 128 over an in-store hub network 240 generated by the oneor more hubs 124.

In-store network 305 may comprise near field communication (NFC), RFID,infrared, electric fields, magnetic fields, WiFi, Bluetooth, or anyother suitable wireless technology suitable for performing operationsconsistent with disclosed embodiments. Hub(s) 124 may determine that acustomer has interacted with a store item 301 when user item 135 and aproduct tag 128 become linked. In one example, hub(s) 124 may determineuser item 135 and a product tags 128 are linked based on a determinationthat user item 135 and product tag 128 are within a predeterminedproximity of each other. For example, hub(s) 124 may determine that useritem 135 and product tag 128 are within 10 inches of each other,indicating that the user has picked up store item 301. In otherexamples, hub(s) 124 may generate an electrical, magnetic, or otherfield, and hub(s) 124 may determine user item 135 and product tag 128are linked based on changes to the field with respect to user item 135and store item 301 caused by user 131 touching store item 301. Accordingto some embodiments, hub(s) 124 may communicate with merchant server 122over a Local Area Network (LAN) or direct connection separate fromin-store hub network 240 (such as communication network 311). Hub(s) 124may also communication indirectly or directly with user devices 313 overa communication network 311 and/or FSP 110.

Upon a determination that user 131 has interacted with a store item 301and/or another user 131, hub(s) 124 may transmit information associatedwith user item(s) 135 and any store item(s) 301 (identified by merchantsystem 120 from product tag 128) to FSP system 112 via, e.g., merchantserver 122. FSP system 112 may communicate information to user devices313 via, e.g., communication network 311.

FIG. 4A is a flow chart of an exemplary proximity-based sensing process400, consistent with disclosed embodiments.

In step 410, user 131 enters the proximity of a sensor such as amerchant hub 124. Entering the proximity of merchant hub 124 mayconstitute entering a particular physical location (e.g., a store or adepartment within a store) or entering an area surrounding merchant hub124 (e.g., a ten-foot radius surrounding merchant hub 124 or 50% of themaximum range of the technology used by merchant hub 124).

In some embodiments, merchant hub 124 may determine that user 131 hasbrought client device 130 into the proximity of merchant hub 124, usingone or more sensors attached to or otherwise in operative communicationwith client device 130. For example, client device 130 may utilizesensors configured to operate using GPS, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE), Wi-Fi, or other wireless technologies, and send data associatedwith those sensors to enable merchant hub 124 to determine whetherclient device 130 is within a particular distance of merchant hub 124.

In step 420, merchant hub 124 receives at least one identifier from useritem 135. As explained above, merchant hub 124 may receive theidentifier as a result of emitting energy into a physical space. Useritem 135 may receive the energy and respond as part of a response to theemitted energy.

In step 425, merchant hub 124 determines whether more than one user itemidentifier was received. For example, if merchant hub 124 receives asingle user identifier from a sensor, merchant hub 124 may be configuredto determine that only a single user is attempting to complete atransaction (e.g., a purchase at a point-of-sale or other merchantsystem). If only a single user identifier is received, the processcontinues to step 429. If, however, more than one user identifier isreceived from a single sensor, the process may continue to step 430.

In step 429, merchant hub 124 may determine whether store item(s) 301are also within the presence of user 131. For example, merchant hub mayutilize the same technology used to detect the presence of user item 135(and/or a different technology) to detect identifiers affixed/attachedto store item(s) 301 that are within a certain short distance (e.g., twofeet) of user 131. If merchant hub 124 determines that user 131 hasstore item(s) 301 in her possession, the process may continue to step431. Otherwise, the process may return to step 410.

In step 431, merchant hub 124 generates a communication requestingauthorization to purchase store item(s) 301 detected as being in thepresence of user 131. Step 431 may also include other processes, such asa lookup to determine the prices of each item, the name of each item, orany discounts associated with each item; a reduction in prices for eachitem for sale (based on coupons, discounts, “frequent buyer” cards, orother memberships or promotions); a determination of a total price forall items; or the like. The communication may include a listing of storeitem(s) 301 (including, for example, names, prices, or discounts) and arequest to confirm that the user wishes to purchase the items.

In step 433, merchant hub 124 may send the communication to anelectronic device associated with user 131, such as client device 130.For example, merchant hub 124 may send the communication as an email, atext message (e.g., MMS, SMS, etc.), or other communication to requestauthorization from user 131 to proceed with the transaction. Thecommunication may be displayed on client device 130 in an attempt toreceive an authorization from user 131 to proceed with the transaction.(One exemplary display of such a communication is depicted in FIG. 5C,described below.)

In step 435, merchant hub 124 may receive an authorization response fromclient device 130. The authorization response may include authorizationinformation and/or private information. Authorization information mayinclude a secret identifier known and/or chosen by user 131. The secretidentifier (such as a symbol or picture) may be used to reassure user131 that the communication is actually from a trusted party (e.g.,merchant hub 124). The private information for example, may include aPIN, a password, biometric data, the answer to a security question, orother information. This private information may be used in combinationwith the identifier of user item 135 by another device to determineinformation about user 131 (e.g., a credit card number, a checkingaccount number, a username, a user identifier, or the like).

Going back to step 425, if merchant hub 124 detects multiple useridentifiers in close proximity to one another (e.g., within two feet ofone another) or detects that two or more user item(s) 135 that create acircuit with one another (e.g., when two users 131 shake hands, creatingan electrical circuit), the process may continue to step 430. Merchanthub 124 may be configured to detect, based on the circuit createdbetween two or more user items 135, that the identifiers weretransmitted by the two or more user items 135.

In step 430, merchant hub 124 generates communications requestingauthorization to transfer money between the users whose user items 135were detected. Step 430 may also include other processes, such as alookup to determine the users associated with each user item 135 or anidentifier (such as a phone number or email address) for each clientdevice 130 associated with each user; a determination of past fundstransfers between each user; or the like. Each communication received bya client device 130 for display to user 131 may include the other user'sname, a picture of the other user's face, a request to confirm the fundstransfer, a listing of past funds transfers with the other user, or thelike.

In step 432, merchant hub 124 may send each respective communication toan electronic device associated with user 131, such as client device130. For example, merchant hub 124 may send the communication as anemail, a text message (e.g., MMS, SMS, etc.), or other communication torequest authorization from each user 131 to proceed with thetransaction. The communication may also include a request for user 131to indicate whether that user is receiving funds or transferring funds(and if so, how much to transfer to one or more other users). Thecommunication may be displayed on each client device 130 in an attemptto receive an authorization from each user 131 to proceed with thetransaction. (One exemplary display of such a communication is depictedin FIG. 5A, described below.)

In step 434, merchant hub 124 may receive an authorization response fromclient device 130. The authorization response may include authorizationinformation and/or private information. Authorization information mayinclude a secret identifier known and/or chosen by user 131. The secretidentifier (such as a symbol or picture) may be present to reassure user131 that the communication is actually from a trusted party (e.g.,merchant hub 124). The private information for example, may include aPIN, a password, biometric data, the answer to a security question, orother information. This private information may be used in combinationwith the identifier of user item 135 by another device to determineinformation about user 131 (e.g., a credit card number, a checkingaccount number, a username, or the like).

Regardless of whether one or more user item identifiers were received instep 425, in step 436, merchant hub 124 sends any received authorizationresponse(s) and any identifier(s) (such as identifiers of store item(s)301, user item(s) 135, or the like) to authentication system 114.Authentication system 114 receives the identifier(s) and authorizationresponse(s) in step 442 on FIG. 4B.

FIG. 4B is a flow chart of an exemplary proximity-based sensing process440, consistent with disclosed embodiments. In step 442, authenticationsystem 114 receives one or more identifier(s) (such as user item 135identifiers and/or identifiers of store item(s) 301) and one or moreauthorization response(s) (for example, from one or more user device(s)130). In step 443, authentication system 114 determines whether itreceived more than one user item identifier. If authentication system114 received only one user item identifier (indicating that only asingle user is in the proximity of a particular sensor), process 440 mayproceed to step 445.

In step 445, authentication system 114 may combine the receivedauthorization response and received user item identifier. In step 447,authentication system 114 may utilize the combined receivedauthorization response and received user item identifier in order tolocate information associated with the user item identifier. Forexample, the received authorization response may constitute a “privatekey” that is only given to an owner of the user item identifier. Theprivate key may be associated with a user profile associated with thatowner. The profile may include payment information. Authenticationsystem 114 may use the private key, in conjunction with the user itemidentifier, to decrypt or unlock a user profile, and determine a creditcard number, a checking account number, a username corresponding to apayment service, or other information usable to effect a transaction.

In step 449, authentication system 114 may send the located informationto merchant 120 to enable merchant 120 to accomplish the transaction. Instep 451, merchant 120 completes the transaction using the informationreceived from authentication system 114. For example, merchant 120 mayhave determined a price to charge user 131 based on the identifiers ofitems in the user's possession, and may utilize a received credit cardnumber to generate the appropriate signals necessary to initiate atransaction.

Initiating and completing the transaction (as in steps 429, 431, 433435, 445, 447, 449, and 451) may be accomplished in a number of ways.For example, user 131 may walk to a particular location in abrick-and-mortar store (e.g., a “checkout zone”) indicating that user131 is ready to checkout and pay for goods that user 131 has in a cartor basket that is in close proximity to the user. Client device 130 maythen receive a receipt listing the total amount of the goods. User 131may be prompted on client device 130 to accept the total amount of thegoods that are in the possession of user 131. Once the user accepts thepurchase total (e.g., by entering a PIN or password), client device 130may receive a receipt (via, e.g., push notification) indicating that thepurchase was successful. User 131 may then leave the store. As anotherexample, user 131 may initiate a checkout procedure using client device130. For example, user 131 may press a button that indicates a desire todetermine a total price for the items in possession. Client device 130may then receive a receipt listing the total amount of the goods. User131 may be prompted on client device 130 to accept the purchase for thetotal amount of the goods in possession of user 131. Once the useraccepts the purchase total (e.g., by entering a PIN or password), clientdevice 130 may receive a receipt (via, e.g., push notification)indicating that the purchase was successful. User 131 may then leave thestore.

Going back to step 443, if authentication system 114 determines thatmore than one user item identifier was received, authentication system114 may determine that more than one user would like to initiate atransaction, and may proceed to step 444.

One exemplary transaction between more than one user would be a fundstransfer. For example, if three friends go to dinner and a first frienddoes not have enough money to pay for his share, his dinner companionsmay each cover half of the first friend's share. The first friend couldinitiate one or more transactions to pay back his dinner companions. Inthis exemplary transaction each user may be required to confirm arespective desire to accomplish a funds transfer transaction, either asa recipient of funds or as a sender of funds.

In step 444, authentication system 114 may combine each respectiveauthorization response and received user item identifier.

In step 446, authentication system 114 may utilize the combined receivedauthorization response and received user item identifier in order tolocate information associated with the user item identifier. Forexample, the received authorization response may constitute a “privatekey” that is only given to an owner of the user item identifier. Theprivate key may be associated with a user profile associated with thatowner. The profile may include payment information. Authenticationsystem 114 may use the private key, in conjunction with the user itemidentifier, to decrypt or unlock a user profile, and determine a creditcard number, a checking account number, a username corresponding to apayment service, or other information usable to effect a transaction.

In step 448, authentication system 114 may send the located informationto payment service system 116 to enable payment service system 116 toaccomplish the transaction. In step 450, payment service system 116 maygenerate one or more verification communications for each useridentified using the located information received in step 448. Eachverification communication could include at least one of a request toconfirm that a user wishes to transfer funds to another user, a requestto confirm that a user wishes to receive funds from another user, or arequest for authorization information (e.g., a PIN or password), or thelike. Step 450 also represents payment service system 116 sending theverification communications to each user.

In step 452, payment service system 116 may receive responses to the oneor more verification communications sent in step 450. If each userresponded to the verification communication with an affirmative response(e.g., “Yes” or “I wish to confirm this transaction”) process 440 maycontinue to step 454, where payment service system 116 may complete thetransaction. Completing the transaction may involve one or more of;determining account details for an account of a user that has agreed topay another user, determining account details for an account of a userthat has agreed to receive funds from another user, submitting a debitinstruction to a bank holding the account of a user that has agreed topay another user, submitting a credit instruction to a bank holding theaccount of a user that has agreed to receive funds from another user,modifying balances of accounts controlled, held, or otherwise operatedby payment service system 116, or the like.

FIG. 5A is a diagram of an exemplary client device 500 including aninterface displaying authorization requests, consistent with disclosedembodiments. For example, client device 500 may include an interface(via, e.g., an app associated with financial service provider 110) thatincludes one or more images or blocks of text including, for example,the provider of a user's financial account (area 510), a second userwith which the user may wish to transact (area 520), or a secret imagethat reassures the user that the interface is legitimate and is not ascam or a “phishing” attempt (area 521), or an indication of atransaction initiated based on an action the user took, such as shakingthe hand of a second user (area 530). Client 500 may also includebuttons 540 which enable the user to either confirm or deny theauthorization request. If a user presses the “YES” button on buttons540, the user may be shown a new interface (not shown) that requestsinformation concerning the funds transfer, such as an amount, a textarea for a “memo” or a note, a desired recurrence for the fundstransfer, a date on which to effect the funds transfer, authorizationinformation (such as a password or a PIN), or the like. If the userpresses the “NO” button on buttons 540, client device 500 may transmitan indication that the user has declined the transaction.

FIG. 5B is a diagram of an exemplary client device 500 including aninterface displaying authorization requests, consistent with disclosedembodiments. For example, client device 500 may include an interface(via, e.g., an app associated with financial service provider 110) thatincludes one or more images or blocks of text including, for example,the provider of a user's financial account (area 510), a second userfrom which the user may wish to receive funds (area 523), or anindication of a transaction initiated based on an action the user took,such as shaking the hand of a second user (area 531). Client 500 mayalso include buttons 541 which enable the user to either confirm or denythe authorization request. If a user presses the “YES” button on buttons541, the user may be shown a new interface that indicates, for example,whether the transaction was successful, when the user can expect thefunds to become available for use, authorization information (such as apassword or a PIN), or the like. If the user presses the “NO” button onbuttons 541, client device 130 may transmit an indication that the userhas declined the transaction.

FIG. 5C is a diagram of an exemplary client device 500 including aninterface displaying authorization requests for a purchase, consistentwith disclosed embodiments. For example, client device 500 may includean interface (via, e.g., an app associated with financial serviceprovider 110) that includes one or more images or blocks of textincluding, for example, the provider of a user's financial account (area510), a merchant to which the user may wish to send funds (area 522), asecret image that ensures the user that the interface is legitimate andis not a scam or a “phishing” attempt (area 552), an indication of atransaction initiated based on an action the user took, such asapproaching a sensor while holding both of a user item 135 and storeitem(s) 301 (area 532). Client 500 may also include keypad 542 whichenables the user to enter authorization information (such as a passwordor a PIN), to cancel the transaction (by pressing “Cancel”), to obtainlive assistance with the transaction (by pressing “Live Agent”), toobtain assistance in using the interface (by pressing “Help”), or thelike. If a user enters a PIN on exemplary keypad 542, the user may beshown a new interface (not shown) that requests information concerningthe funds transfer, such as a tip amount, a desired recurrence for thepurchase, a date on which to effect the purchase, or the like. Thedevice may then send the PIN or other authorization information toanother device (such as authentication system 114 or merchant hub 124).

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes ofillustration. It is not exhaustive and is not limited to the preciseforms or embodiments disclosed. Modifications and adaptations of theembodiments will be apparent from consideration of the specification andpractice of the disclosed embodiments. For example, the describedimplementations include hardware and software, but systems and methodsconsistent with the present disclosure can be implemented as hardwarealone. Furthermore, although aspects of the disclosed embodiments aredescribed as being associated with data stored in memory and othertangible computer-readable storage mediums, one skilled in the art willappreciate that these aspects can also be stored on and executed frommany types of tangible computer-readable media, such as secondarystorage devices, like hard disks, floppy disks, or CD-ROM, or otherforms of RAM or ROM.

Computer programs based on the written description and methods of thisspecification are within the skill of a software developer. The variousprograms or program modules can be created using a variety ofprogramming techniques. For example, program sections or program modulescan be designed in or by means of Java, C, C++, assembly language, orany such programming languages. One or more of such software sections ormodules can be integrated into a computer system, computer-readablemedia, or existing communications software.

Moreover, while illustrative embodiments have been described herein, thescope includes any and all embodiments having equivalent elements,modifications, omissions, combinations (e.g., of aspects across variousembodiments), adaptations or alterations based on the presentdisclosure. The elements in the claims are to be interpreted broadlybased on the language employed in the claims and not limited to examplesdescribed in the present specification or during the prosecution of theapplication, which examples are to be construed as non-exclusive.Further, the steps of the disclosed methods can be modified in anymanner, including by reordering steps or inserting or deleting steps. Itis intended, therefore, that the specification and examples beconsidered as example only, with a true scope and spirit being indicatedby the following claims and their full scope of equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method, comprising:receiving, by a wireless sensor, a user identifier from an itemassociated with a user; receiving, by the wireless sensor, a productidentifier from a product; determining, by a device associated with amerchant, that the user is interacting with the product by determiningthe item associated with the user and the product are within apredefined proximity to one another; in response to determining that theuser is interacting with the product, sending, by the device associatedwith the merchant, a communication to an electronic device associatedwith the user requesting that the user authorize a purchase of theproduct; receiving, by the device associated with the merchant, aresponse to the communication from the electronic device associated withthe user, the response authorizing the purchase of the product; andsending, by the device associated with the merchant, the receivedresponse to an authentication system for completing the purchase.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein receiving a user identifier from an itemassociated with a user comprises receiving a user identifier from anitem associated with the user that is configured to transmit data inresponse to a signal received from the wireless sensor.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein receiving a user identifier from an item associatedwith a user comprises receiving a user identifier from an itemassociated with the user that is unpowered, and wherein receiving a useridentifier from an item associated with a user further comprises:emitting energy from the wireless sensor to detect the existence of theunpowered item; and receiving the user identifier emitted by theunpowered item in response to emitting the energy.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein receiving a user identifier from an item associatedwith a user comprises receiving least one of a private key or a publickey.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the user identifierfrom the item associated with the user further comprises receiving theuser identifier when the item is in a predefined proximity to thewireless sensor.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein sending acommunication to the electronic device associated with the user furthercomprises sending at least one of a price of the product, a name of theproduct, or a discount associated with the product.
 7. The method ofclaim 1, wherein sending a communication to the electronic deviceassociated with the user further comprises sending a request to confirmthe user wishes to purchase the product.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein receiving a response to the communication from the electronicdevice associated with the user further comprises receiving a secretidentifier associated with the user.
 9. The method of claim 1, whereinreceiving a response to the communication from the electronic deviceassociated with the user further comprises receiving at least one of aPIN, a password, biometric data, or a response to a security question.10. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a user identifier from anitem associated with a user comprises receiving a user identifier fromat least one of a ring, a piece of jewelry, a card, or a wearable item.11. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless sensor is operable toreceive the user identifier using electric field communication, magneticfield communication, Near Field Communication, RFID, 802.11 wireless, orBluetooth.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a productidentifier comprises receiving the product identifier by at least one ofelectric field communication, magnetic field communication, Near FieldCommunication, RFID, 802.11 wireless, or Bluetooth.
 13. The method ofclaim 1, wherein receiving a product identifier comprises: emitting asignal from the wireless sensor to detect the existence of an unpowereditem associated with the product; and receiving the product identifierfrom the unpowered item associated with the product in response to theemitted signal.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein: sending acommunication to an electronic device associated with the user comprisessending at least one of an email or a text message; and receiving aresponse to the communication from the electronic device associated withthe user comprises receiving at least one of an email or a text message.15. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying thecommunication to the electronic device associated with the user througha media interface on the electronic device associated with the user. 16.The method of claim 6, further comprising determining the discountassociated with the product based on at least one of a coupon, afrequent buyer card, a promotion, or a membership.